In Joshua 20 the people appoint cities of refuge for those who have killed someone by mistake. They are kept safe in the city until a trial takes place. This fulfills one of God’s commands.

In Joshua 21 the Levites receive towns and pasture lands in each of the tribal regions. There is now a levitical presence in every region. This fulfills another of God’s commands. God protects the people of Israel. And as verse 45 states all of God’s promises are kept.

In Joshua 22 Joshua acknowledges that the Reubenites, Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh have fulfilled their promise to help the other tribes acquire their land. Joshua blesses them and sends them back to their lands on the other side of the Jordan. He exhorts them to keep God’s commandments and to serve Him with all their heart and soul.

Before they cross the Jordan the Reubenites, Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh build a great altar. This altar is on the side of the river that belongs to the other Israelites. The Israelites see the altar and believe that the others have turned away from God and will bring curses upon them. They make plans to go to war with the three tribes. Before they do they send Phineas the priest to them. He confronts the three tribes and asks why they have built an altar for burnt offerings which is against God’s commands. The three tribes assure Phineas that they have not turned away from God. The altar is not meant for burnt offerings, rather it is an altar of witness to show the future generations of  people of Israel that they are faithful to God. Phineas affirms that this is a good thing and tells the Israelites. The Israelites make no more plans for war.

This is a perfect example of how to handle misunderstanding and assumptions in a faith community. Often we misunderstand why a member has done something. We assume that it is for a wrong reason or that they have done it to hurt others. If only we would go and talk to the person who has offended and allow him or her to explain, we would probably find that our assumptions are not based in fact and no offense should be taken. Right actions such as these would stop many battles from occurring.

Psalm 39 is a lament Psalm. Clearly the writer is suffering. He is airing his complaint to God and asking for deliverance from his suffering. He believes he is being punished and asks God to show mercy.